Churrigueresque: Late Baroque Art in Spain and Latin America

Late Baroque Spanish (Churrigueresque) and its Influence in Latin America

From the mid-seventeenth century, an art movement began that favored broken ornaments, increasing the simplicity of the previous stage. It increased the ornamentation on the exterior with sculpture in the round and reliefs, and plant columns. The dramatic and theatrical effect was achieved by concealing the structures with decorative extravagance.

The term Churrigueresque characterized these decorative and ornate Baroque styles, which had a huge success in Latin American architecture. Family workshops and renowned architects took on great prominence.

Main Sites:

Madrid:

Architect Pedro Ribera (Toledo Bridge). His work affects the exterior decoration, which is dynamic, original, and uses games and finely crafted pediments.

Castilla:

Jose Benito Churriguera operated as a sculptor. In 1709, he received the request for the New Baztán urban project. Alberto Churriguera, etc.

Andalucia:

Granada: Alonso Cano facade of the cathedral. Leonardo de Figueroa undertook the construction of buildings where you see the influence of Italian models regarding the structure and the decorative language.

Galicia:

Use of granite, overloaded with ornamentation in a very geometric sense.

Elsewhere in Spain, other works reveal a decorative extravagance.

Latin American Architecture:

North America:

Mexico has the greatest range. The architecture is distinguished by two types: polygonal facades and curved paths (facades screen) and facades altarpiece with great development of the stipe. It is a clear example of creative freedom and the complication of forms with decorative interest. For example, the external arch of the Basilica of Guadalupe stands out for the path in the complex that combines straight lines and curves both in plan and elevation. The composition of the facade of the sanctuary of the cathedral of Mexico is remarkable.

South America:

Peru is home to the most remarkable constructions. Their architecture distinguishes itself through the use of spiral columns and wooden ceilings. An example is the Church of the Society of Jesus in Quito.